W12×16 wide-flange beam

Detailing dimensions and section properties from the AISC Shapes Database, 16th Edition. Values are shown to the nearest 1/16 in. as they appear on a shop drawing.

W12×16 measures 12 in. deep with a 4 in. flange, on a 1/4 in. web and 1/4 in. flanges.

At 16 lb per foot it is one of the 29 W12 sizes, which run from 14 to 336 lb/ft.

For strong-axis bending its section modulus is Sx = 17.1 in³ and its moment of inertia Ix = 103 in⁴, with a plastic modulus Zx = 20.1 in³.

Detailing dimensions

Depth (d)12"
Flange width (bf)4"
Web thickness (tw)1/4"
Flange thickness (tf)1/4"
k (detailing)13/16"
Workable gage (g)2 1/4"

Section properties

Weight16 lb/ft
Area (A)4.71 in²
Ix103 in⁴
Sx17.1 in³
Zx20.1 in³
rx4.67 in
Iy2.82 in⁴
Sy1.41 in³
Zy2.26 in³
ry0.773 in
J0.103 in⁴

Other W12 sizes

Same nominal size, different weight — useful when you are checking a substitution or a lighter section.

W12×14W12×19W12×22W12×26W12×30W12×35W12×40W12×45W12×50W12×53W12×58W12×65W12×72W12×79W12×87W12×96W12×106W12×120W12×136W12×152W12×170W12×190W12×210W12×230

All W12 sizes and dimensions →

Similar weight wide-flange beams

Comparable 16 lb/ft sections in other wide-flange beam sizes.

W6×1616 lb/ft · Sx 10.2 in³W5×1616 lb/ft · Sx 8.55 in³W10×1515 lb/ft · Sx 13.8 in³W8×1515 lb/ft · Sx 11.8 in³W6×1515 lb/ft · Sx 9.72 in³W10×1717 lb/ft · Sx 16.2 in³W8×1818 lb/ft · Sx 15.2 in³W8×1313 lb/ft · Sx 9.91 in³

Compare W12×16 with a nearby size

W12×14 vs W12×16W12×16 vs W12×19W6×16 vs W12×16

Detailing values are rounded to the nearest 1/16 in. per the AISC Steel Construction Manual. Verify critical dimensions against the current Manual before fabrication. Need W12×16 cut, formed, or fabricated? Huntington Steel & Supply Co.

Browse more: Wide flange beams · Steel Beam Size Chart

Interactive drawing